Wine & Dine Wanderlust

29/11/2019

28/11/2019

A day to give thanks.

27/11/2019

Fun facts about Guinness in Ireland

Under the guidance of Arthur Guinness and his heirs, Guinness has been brewing pints of its famous stout in Dublin since the mid 18th century.

Sláinte! Fun Facts About Guinness Beer and its company.

- The company originally leased its Dublin brewery for 9,000 years.
- The lease included free access to a water supply.
- There was once an ale as well.
- It takes 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.
- The official color of the beer is ruby red.
- The beer was brewed in 49 countries around the world.
- It was one of the first companies to offer employee benefits.
- Guinness promised every British soldier a pint of beer on Christmas day during World War II.
- The Guinness harp was one of the first trademarks in the U.K.

I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

26/11/2019

Spring in Ireland

Ireland is famous for many things: from dramatic coastlines to stunning scenery, from social scenes and live music to literature and the arts. One thing it tends to fall short on, however, is the weather. Average temperatures in Ireland during Spring usually range from 4°C – 10°C. The days will finally be getting longer again after the Winter months. There is also Daylight Savings. It is when the clocks are turned forward by one hour, meaning sunrise and sunset are one hour later, extending daylight. On the downside, there can be up to 70 mm of rainfall on average in March. As Spring finally is in full bloom, leafy green trees and flowers grow again. The temperatures in Ireland thankfully rise to an average of 5°C – 11°C in April. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me.

25/11/2019

Jameson Whiskey Distillery Dublin

Jameson Distillery Bow St., informally the Jameson Distillery, is an Irish whiskey tourist attraction located just off Smithfield Square in Dublin, Ireland. Jameson Distillery Bow St. is the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey is distilling until 1971. It is now a visitors’ center that provides guided tours, tutored whiskey tastings, JJs bar, and a gift shop. Jameson is a blended Irish whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. Formerly one of the six main Dublin Whiskeys, Jameson is now distilled at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. In 2018, annual sales topped 7.3 million cases. Jameson is by far the best selling Irish whiskey in the world. It has been sold internationally since the early 19th century, and is now available in over 130 countries. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me.

24/11/2019

St Patrick’s Cathedral Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years, and today is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Dublin. It was built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint between 1220 and 1260. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a rich and compelling cultural experience, and is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest Cathedral in the country. The Cathedral is world-famous for its choir, which still performs daily during the school term. Dating from 1270, the Cathedral has been restored to its original glory. A new exhibition called “Lives Remembered” has opened, which includes a specially commissioned tree sculpture, and marks the anniversary of World War 1. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me.

23/11/2019

The meaning behind the brightly colored doors in Ireland

You probably have heard about the famous “Doors of Dublin.” Even if you have not, as soon as you open any travel guide, you will have seen one or two. And as soon as you are in Dublin, you will spot them everywhere. During the early 18th century, Dubliners began to build elegant new Georgian homes beyond the walls of the original medieval town. At the time of construction, all of the exterior doors were the same color. The Georgian style exteriors of these townhouses, by strict rules laid down by the developer, had to adhere to precise architectural guidelines – they were all uniformly built. To set themselves apart, the Georgian Dubliners started painting their front doors whatever color struck their fancy to differentiate their homes from others. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me.

22/11/2019

The long room at Trinity College and Book of Kells
Facts about The Long Room at Trinity College and The Book of Kells.

- Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university.
- It was founded by Queen Elizabeth in 1592.
- There are ‘secret’ tunnels underneath Trinity College, but nobody knows how to get to them, and whether or not they do lead to the Provost’s wine cellar.
- Lots of famous people attended Trinity, such as Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde.
- The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book written in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It’s mostly famous because it dates back to 800 AD, and because it is beautifully illustrated.

I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me.

21/11/2019

Ireland is a great destination for adventure travel e.g.hiking, cycling, climbing

Mountains in Ireland come in many shapes and sizes, but they all come beautifully. The Mourne Mountains boast a host of heavenly hikes. The Wicklow and Kerry Ways traverse stunning mountainscapes with plenty of calmer stretches. Walks and hikes in these verdant surrounds are dealt a dash of color, thanks to the area's mythical heritage. For every step you take, a fairy, a warrior, a banshee, or a ghost has taken it before you. Keep it quirky with bog walks in the likes of Tipperary, Laois, Offaly, and Connemara. They are prettily planned with wooden walkways to keep you away from the stickiest terrain. For something a little less muddy, pick a canal and walk its banks under cover of leafy canopies. I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me.

20/11/2019

Small Irish villages shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for authentic local culture and connections

Ireland has several distinct regional cultures rather than a single national one; moreover, the daily lives of city dwellers are, in some ways, much different from those living in the countryside. For example, whereas Dublin is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, the Blasket Islands of Di**le Bay, off Ireland’s southwestern coast, seems almost a throwback to earlier centuries. The Irish maintain a vibrant and lively folk culture. Many engage in a variety of craft-based industries, producing items such as glass, ceramics, ironwork, wood-turning, linens, embroidery, and knitwear. The Irish pub serves as a focal point for many small villages and urban neighborhoods, a place where the great Irish passion for conversation, stories, and jokes. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

19/11/2019

Solo travel in Ireland allows you to reconnect with yourself and the great outdoors

From lush glens and magical canal banks, to daredevil cliff paths and quaint city quarters – when it comes to walking and hiking, Ireland has got you covered. Being an island, Ireland naturally offers unique opportunities for coastal walks. The Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coast are stand-out locations, but don't overlook the likes of the stunning Beara, Di**le, and Inishowen Peninsulas – each nicely varied with mountainous paths for adventurous souls, as well as gentler terrain. There's also the Copper Coast in the south east, a breathtaking shoreline of cliffs, coves, and sea stacks, named after the mining industry that once prospered there. Special mention, too, for the hilly routes around Achill Island, County Mayo. I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call me or send me an email when you're ready to start planning.

18/11/2019

Belfast Festival At Queens - Flood Lit Tour

- Explore Ireland via city and village walking tours with local expert guides
A Historical Walking Tour is a must for a city like Dublin that wears on its sleeve a great deal of history, spanning from the times of Viking settlement to modern days.

- Combine educational with recreational on the entertaining crawl through Dublin's pubs that have inspired great Irish writers. A walking tour is an excellent introduction to Dublin's rich literary heritage with a chance to enjoy a few pints along the way.

- Pedal your way around Dublin on a guided bike tour to feel the city's energy and unique atmosphere. See its excellent sights while stopping at some of them for a bit of rest, watching the surroundings, and learning much about the city's history.

I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to pick up the phone and call me, or send me an email when you're ready to start planning.

17/11/2019

Dolmens - symbols of Ireland

There are about 190 dolmens in Ireland, and they are our most recognizable type of megalithic monument. Dolmens are known by many different names: Cromlechs, Giants Graves, Diarmuid and Grainne's Beds, and stone tables. Dolmens generally have an entrance feature, the 'portal,' although a blocking stone often closes this. A most characteristic feature is a massive roof stone, weighing tons and inclined at an angle with the highest part over the entrance. Portal dolmens are known as Irish mythological stories and folklore. Most dolmens are covered with mounds of stone, but little remains of these cairns at most sites. The impressive structures we see today are like the skeletons of the monuments. I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call me or send me an email when you're ready to start planning.

16/11/2019

A great long weekend getaway from the east coast for eating, shopping and reconnecting with friends
Thanks to its strategic position and fertile land, the east coast bore the brunt of Ireland's colonization. Many of the area's country houses have turned into beautiful hotels. Drinking here means traditional pubs, which means good Guinness. Fresh, local produce is also what distinguishes this area's many fine restaurants, from Carlingford Lough shellfish, through artisan cheeses, to Wicklow lamb and venison. A quick stopover on the Emerald Isle is amply rewarding. Architecture enthusiasts will fall for Dublin's rows of magnificently preserved Georgian homes, bookworms will get lost in the literary heritage, and shopping buffs will be pleased to discover that Ireland is a treasure trove of artisan, handmade, and heritage products. I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call me or send me an email when you're ready to start planning.

15/11/2019

A golfer’s delight with all the amazing courses
Ireland is a golfer’s paradise, with world-class courses in some spectacular places. With over 300 golf clubs and a selection of exceptional championship courses in unusual locations, every year over 240,000 from all over the world come to experience these impressive but unforgiving fairways. Most of Ireland’s trails are open all year round. However, classes are in best condition and weather is most suitable for golfing from April to October. In summer, daylight hours can stretch up to 10 pm so two rounds of lazy lunch can easily fit into a day. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

14/11/2019

The perfect country for a road trip
The Best Irish Road Trip

Begin Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Into Dublin Airport
● 1: Spend Time Exploring Dublin To Begin Your Ireland Road Trip
● 2: Enjoy Rock Of Cashel And H**e Abbey
● 3: Visit Cork, Cobh, And Blarney Estate In Ireland Ancient East
● 4: Explore Killarney For Some Of The Best Drives
● 5: Visit The Breathtaking Di**le Peninsula, One Of The Best Ireland Road Trip Drives
● 6: Check The Cliffs Of Moher Off Your Bucket List
● 7: Drop By Doolin For Picture Perfect Irish Charm
● 8: Experience Westport And Achill Island
● 9: Explore The Slieve League Cliffs And Bad Eddie’s Boat In Co. Donegal
● 10: Finish Your Trip By Exploring Belfast And The Causeway Coast
I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to pick up the phone and call me, or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

13/11/2019

Irish pubs - a great place to start and enjoy your adventure

Irish pubs have existed for roughly a millennium. For decades, the pub has been a center for cultural gatherings in Ireland. It is a social hotspot where people from all walks of life come to gather. In addition to the casual social atmosphere, hearty food and drink, sports, and traditional Irish music are hallmarks of pub culture. The menu is usually regular and straightforward featuring classic Irish dishes. Drinks include a variety of spirits and beers on tap with televisions show games such as football or hurling. I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to pick up the phone and call me, or send me an email when you're ready to start planning.

11/11/2019

Swedish waffles fun fact: You'll smell the aroma of waffles walking around the Old Town.

Gamla stan, the heart of the Old Town, is even more ravishing after dark than during the day. Beautifully lit, its streets are wonderful to explore. Elsewhere in the city, to the north beyond Norrmalm, the district of Vasastan is lively around Tegnergatan and Rorstrandsgatan. In the west, meanwhile, Fridhemsplan and Scheelegatan in Kungsholmen are also a pretty safe bet. Trendy, but never overwhelmingly so, the nightlife in Stockholm is right up there with the very best cities. Indeed, few nightlife experiences can match the splendor of a long summer’s ‘day’ of partying in Stockholm, when the sun only just creeps below the horizon. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

10/11/2019

Why Houses are Red in Sweden

The little red houses around Stockholm are painted with a special paint called Falu red, or Falun red, which was first created and used in Falun copper mines in Dalarna County. It is well known for its use on wooden cottages and barns. This paint is now used out of tradition and due to its effectiveness in preserving wood. The earliest signs of the use of Falu red are the 16th century, but during the 17th century the paint started to fill an additional purpose. The copper color was supposed to imitate the brick buildings, which were more common in the south of Sweden as well as Stockholm and Gothenburg. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

09/11/2019

View of Stockholm at night — an amazing destination in summer and winter, depending on your travel style

Waffles are eaten year-round in Sweden, but they are particularly popular on March 25 when the Swedish celebrate Våffeldagen (Waffle Day). Swedish waffles are flatter than the more well-known Belgian waffles and are usually made in a special heart-shaped waffle maker. According to the Christian gospels, the 25th of March is the day when the archangel Gabriel came down to earth and told Mary that she would give birth to God's son. Over time, this tradition has become more about the waffles than about the virgin birth. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

08/11/2019

They came from Sweden - ABBA. Pose with them at the wax museum or, for die-hard fans, go to the ABBA museum

ABBA The Museum is a permanent exhibition in the brand new Swedish Music Hall of Fame on the island of Djurgården, a brisk walk, or a short bus or tram ride from the city center. The museum sits between Gröna Lund amusement park and the Liljevalchs art venue and is a five-minute walk from Skansen Open-Air Museum and the famous Vasa Museum. ABBA The Museum showcases the band’s stage clothes, artifacts, concert footage and interviews in a contemporary, interactive setting. Once inside the museum, you can sing and dance with holograms of ABBA and don a digital costume projected onto you in a special booth. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

07/11/2019

Breathtaking Subway Systems
The Stockholm subway system is described as the world’s largest art museum. For the price of a Metro ticket, you can enjoy impressive artworks spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s. The Metro spans more than 110 kilometers, and 90 of the 100 stations in the system have been decorated with world-class murals and sculptures from 150 different artists.

The T-Centralen station, the city’s central subway station, features blue and white paintings on its cave-like ceilings. With its bright red walls and ceiling, the Solna Centrum station looks otherworldly. The Kungsträdgården subway station features Stockholm’s old Makalös palace. And the Östermalmstorg stations focus on themes of the environment and women’s rights. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

06/11/2019

Take a Side Trip to Lapland

The Swedish Lapland, near the huge and wild Sarek National Park, is crossed by the Royal Trail, which is 400 km long. In winter, the northern part of the trail is especially popular. The highest Swedish mountain environment and the presence of a large number of reindeer, elk and grouse enhance the blank spaces. There are very comfortable lodges on the route, and there are often wide valleys without technical difficulties surrounded by glacial peaks. You will experience a great Nordic adventure beyond the Arctic Circle! I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

05/11/2019

05/11/2019

Stockholm Archipelago in Winter

Stockholm is stunning throughout the year. However, for anyone visiting from southern locations, Sweden’s capital is a winter wonderland. The city stands on 14 of the roughly 30,000 islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago. In winter, the water that surrounds the city freezes over and snow dusts the rocky hilltops of Södermalm (the south island) like a scene straight from a Christmas card. As well as being picturesque, the city offers a variety of wonderful things to do during winter. It is also the best time of year to get an authentic taste of Stockholm life. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

04/11/2019

Skansen Outdoor Museum is a Top 3 Must-See in Stockholm

At Skansen Open-Air Museum, you will find the history of Sweden shown both in historical buildings and intriguing craft displays. Every part of Sweden is represented at the Skansen museum, from a southern farm on Skåne to the Sami Camp in northern Sweden. Most buildings and farmsteads at the Skansen museum are from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Skansen is also home to 75 different species of animals, including wild animals such as wolves, lynx, elk, and brown bears, and a number of breeds of domestic animals. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

04/11/2019

03/11/2019

Northern Lights from Abisko National Park, Sweden

One mention of the wonder of nature that is the Northern Lights and the mind is immediately transported to the frozen wilderness of the north and destinations such as the village of Abisko, one of the premier destinations to view the Northern Lights in Sweden. While you are in the Abisko National Park or the surrounding Kiruna Mountains, you have a very high likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights dance in green over your head — whether in the form of curtains, spirals, arcs or coronas. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

02/11/2019

Dinner! Rabat, Morocco! @ Rabat, Morocco

02/11/2019

Moose Fun Facts

The summer population of moose in Sweden is estimated to be 300,000 to 400,000. Around 100,000 are shot in the annual hunt during autumn, and 100,000 calves are born each spring. Moose can be found all over Sweden, except on the island of Gotland. Sweden has the densest population of moose in the world. Although hundreds of thousands of moose inhabit Sweden, it can still be difficult to see a moose in the wild. Some of the most densely populated areas with moose in Sweden are Bergslagen and central Sweden. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

01/11/2019

Crayfish is a Popular Dish in Sweden

The red crayfish is a traditional red shellfish found in the lakes and rivers that is fished during the night and is rare and expensive these days. The centerpiece of a Swedish meal during a gathering is a large tray full of shellfish, cooked in saltwater and scented with anise. This whole feast is complemented by rye bread and seasoned cheese with cumin. Red crayfish are very popular in the markets and fish shops throughout the country during the late summer. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

31/10/2019

Check Out the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Stockholm, Sweden. This free 40-minute event in front of the King of Sweden's residence takes place every day of the year. The guards are responsible for safeguarding the royal palace and are also part of the defense of Stockholm. They are an important part of the security force for the capital's residents. The royal guard participates in royal ceremonial occasions, official state visits, the official opening of the Swedish Parliament and other national events. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

30/10/2019

- History of The Dala Horse

The Dala Horse (Dalahast) has become an iconic symbol of Sweden. These traditional Dala Horses are lovingly handmade in Sweden using traditional techniques from craftsmen. Much work is involved in creating the Dala Horse, from the felling of the wood for it to drying it for three to four weeks after the initial carving, which prevents it from splitting once painted. The design is drawn onto the wood & sawed by machine. Each horse is also signed by the craftsman to show its authenticity. No two Dala Horses are the same. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.

29/10/2019

Lots of Amazing Swedish Pastries

Swedish cinnamon buns, or Kanelbulle, are a part of the delicious afternoon fika, or coffee break, tradition. Along with Denmark, Sweden is claimed as the country of its presumed origin, even though you can find it almost everywhere. This is one of the most famous buns in Sweden. So famous that there’s an event on October 4 known as Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Roll Day). Swedish kanelbulle, however, has a distinctive flavor because it also contains cardamom (Vienna Bread). Its main ingredients are flour, cinnamon, sugar, and butter, which provide a robust and sweet flavor. I’d love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call or email me when you’re ready to start planning.